"Home is behind, the world ahead…"

Llandrindod Wells

This is a Victorian/Edwardian town built quite rapidly during the boom period when it became famous as a spa. It’s built on a plateau 710 ft. above sea level, overlooking the River Ithon.

Earlier in the morning before I took the train to Llandrindod, I had a stroll on the lush Shropshire Hills because I was in such a remarkable setting. The views, even with the fog and bitter cold, were incredible.

I found it quite amusing that the train (off the Heart of Wales railway- more stunning scenery) consisted of just one tiny coach. Usually, trains have 3-7+ coaches, but this one was so small that it could pass as a tiny car travelling on the tracks.

At first glance off the train, it looks fairly run down and quite different from all other towns I’ve seen in the UK. However, its nature and heritage trails are worth a look – and again, might I add, that anyone who lives out here is so fortunate. We certainly don’t have acres of woods and beautiful forest trails like this right next to the main centre of any of our cities.

The town centre is a cluster of beautiful Victorian buildings (still reminiscent of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes and everything you see in Diagon Alley) on cobblestone pavement. I probably saw a total of 5 people wandering the centre, either because it was quite cold and no one was out, or since it was mid-day Wednesday and everyone was at work. Either way, it’s one of the most quiet towns I’ve been in.

Rock Park Spa is a large park with several trails that weave in and out of bridges, streams, waterfalls, and towering trees. It’s a lovely nature haven.

The Free Chalybeate Sping, aka where Llandrindod Wells’s name came from, was prompted by the discovery of the Saline and Sulphur Springs in close proximity to the Chalybeate ‘spout.’ It’s within the Rock Park Spa, right next to a gushing waterfall. This was once the site of the medicinal baths and treatment rooms. The water has sulphur, saline, magnesium and chalybeate properties – and it notes that you should drink the water immediately at the spring since chalybeate doesn’t keep well. I had a few sips and knew that its therapeutic properties wouldn’t work with such small intake, but it was worth a try.

There were also little wood carvings scattered throughout the trails that were very Norwegian-influenced. Ah, the sights of a mini gnome carved out of wood and carrying flowers in the middle of a forest…

It was also quite peaceful strolling along the lake, which had its infamous dragon-like sculpture popping out from the waters (Loch Ness monster, Wales-status).

Llandrindod Wells may be a sleepy little town, but it’s still beautiful because of its lush greenery and many walking paths.